Last night after taking the kids out to dinner, we stopped by Old Navy to pick up some jeans for the kids. As I was looking in the girl’s section, I stopped in my tracks and gasped over this little number.
Navy blue polka dotted lining? Tiny ruffles along the outer edges? Are you kidding me?!? It’s chic basics like these I simply cannot resist for my girls. Whether it’s my imprinting on the years of ruffled tops from JCrew or my nostalgia for classic children’s fashion, I do not know. But when I saw that jacket, I couldn’t help but envision outfitting my girls like this…
As I snatched a size 7, I hastily searched for my little fashionista who was roaming the girl’s department….in the sweetest voice I could muster up at the end of a long rainy week, I asked if she would try it on. I knew I was in dangerous territory. Why? Because it’s very tricky pitching an article of clothing to a little girl if it’s not pepto bismol pink with glittered-on Disney characters plastered on the front. It’s all about the approach. You have to be nonchalant yet playfully assertive. I asked then waited, biting my lip in anticipation. She agreed to try it on. And loved it. I was thrilled. I didn’t dare ask my 10 year old because she can go fashion rogue on me in two seconds flat. I’ve learned not to push. She must be handled ever-so-delicately. Translation: it has to be her idea.
Out of curiosity, I grabbed an XL and tried it on for myself. I mean, at $34 for an adorable jacket, why not? I was shocked…it was a great fit. A teeny bit short in the arms, but that’s alright because it comes off looking like a bracelet sleeve cut. If you’re around 5’5″ and petite, go grab one!! Next thing I know, my ten year old snagged one for herself.
Couldn’t resist.
Yes. I bought a child’s jacket. And yes, I have about 27 jackets too many in my closet. But I have big plans for this little piece.
To me the trench has great versatility. It’s a no brainer purchase. You can pair it with basics or spice it up with boots, stripes, pearls…whatever your heart desires. Toss on a pair of heals and a top and you look totally pulled together.
Here’s a trench-inspired jacket with a girly dress peeking through. Love.
How about a bike ride?
Or an untucked tee and jeans.
Even good enough for Jackie.
I still haven’t invested in the perfect, classic trench…the jackets my girls and I bought are obviously just fun pieces. Many true trenches are on the pricier side. But I’m always an advocate for investing in a good classic piece – the trench being one of those must haves. If you do find one that is well made and fits your proportions, snag it. It will be a long term piece in your wardrobe. A worthy investment ; )
I‘m Seleta, a city girl living the beach life with my husband, fabulous four offspring, happy horses and frisky fur babies. A former TV personality turned Designer, I love to share the sparkly side of life. Read more 
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oh my…may have to head over there for that jacket.
if you really feel like you have too many things in your closet…you should do a little sale for us on your blog. those of us 5’4″ petite girls that want to snag your CUTENESS could do so—we’d get the clothes, you’d get rid of some stuff, and make some money.
just a thought!!
I have a khaki safari jacket that I wear often and love it. I love a good classic trench or one that has just the right details.
Love your jackets~~~
pve
love the jacket you bought. i’m not a ‘pink’ girl, but i do higure!o fave a pink trench. g
love the jacket you bought. i’m not a ‘pink’ girl, but i do have a ‘pink’ trench. go figure!
You all look so chic in your new jackets! Great photo of you and your beautiful daughters, Seleta. That is a darling jacket. I may have to stop in Old Navy tomorrow. A girl can never have too many jackets!
The jacket is so cute! I’m going to check it out! I’m also relieved to know that I’m not the only one that buys from the kids section from time to time! lol There are benefits to being petite! =) Have a great weekend!
You all look adorable…the perfect find!! Happy weekend ~
I’m about your size and definitely peruse the kids section every now and then (mainly at the J. Crew outlet :) ). Love the khaki jacket. You and your girls look darling!
Oh how you made me laugh when talking about what you would like your girls to wear…(I love primary colors, navy and khaki ) as opposed to what my daughter finds appealing (like neon/glitter clothes from a store I wont mention…but it rhymes with bustice)…perfect coat!
Seleta-what a chic crew! How fun to buy something that is the same for you and your fashionistas. My little divas, 8 and 7, are very hard to persuade when it comes to clothing, so I really enjoyed hearing about your cautious methodology. Happy New Year to you and yours-you guys look fab. Ps-our cottage fell thru :(
Hubby tells me no more looking till we sell ours first,…
You guys are looking good! I bought some pieces from Old Navy last week. They must have a new buyer because so many things were great!
Love the jacket, but LOVE your boots! Where are they from?
Love the jackets! So cute. My sister used to shop the kids section in ON all the time!
PS. Your posting is so timely. I just purchased the cutest trench last night, a Cynthia Rowley from TJM. It’s a classic style & color, with a contrast stitch & detailing on the coat & belt. I love it! Not that I needed to justify it, but I was telling my husband that this new addition was perfect for either dress-up or with a pair of jeans.
hmmm, I’m gonna have to evaluate my daughter’s outerwear situation. she always seems to end up with so many light jacket/sweater options in her closet that they never get enough wear and then she’s outgrown ‘em. I’ll definitely keep this jacket in mind. Very chic!
So cute! I love that you all have the same jacket! Reminds me of my mom and sister. We still do the same thing as adults. The good news is that we don’t all live in the same house- or even the same state- anymore, so it’s easy to get away with the same clothes.
I love these jackets and your posts!
Oh how I love a classic khaki trench. A must have for spring. Seleta, do you ever take a bad picture? You’re so beautiful! Xo
I love that you bought that for yourself. In fact, I kept thinking of it when I went shopping yesterday because I’m often intimidated to walk into the thumping music junior’s stores, being 50 now. I know I can’t get away with most of what’s in there, but I do find some things that work now and then, and your buying that darling coat gave me the confidence I needed. :) Thanks!
Ooo I agree! Trench’s are so classic! I saw a really cute one a few days ago at Banana Republic that had classic lines and perfect buttons! Price tag was $198, but I think there was a 30% off code online so that is nothing for a piece that you’ll have forever! :)
Hi Seleta! I found your blog via your Southern Living article. Love the blog and your home is beautiful! We live in FL and have visited Seagrove Beach before and love that area. It is so funny that you bought a child’s jacket because I recently bought my 12 year old daughter an adorable pea coat with the idea that she would out grow it soon and it actually fits me! Score another one for petite moms!
I’ve purchased my 6 year old an Old Navy trench every year since she was tiny. It is such a cute classic. I used to buy her many Old Navy clothes but have found that after the toddler size the Old Navy clothes aren’t nearly at cute. They kind of move right on to teen looks after toddler and we are just not ready to go there yet! : )